Healthy Choices for Baby and Mom
Breastfeeding is the healthiest feeding choice for babies, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding throughout baby’s first year.
Did you know… breastfeeding has health benefits for babies and mothers?
- Breast milk has antibodies that help protect babies from illnesses.
- Babies who breastfeed for at least six months are less likely to have ear infections, diarrhea, or respiratory illnesses.
- Breastfed babies also have lower rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), in the first year of life, and lower rates of diabetes, obesity, and asthma later in life.
- For moms, breastfeeding uses up extra calories, making it easier to lose weight after pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and diabetes.
- Breastfeeding contributes to a more productive workforce.
- Breastfeeding mothers miss less work because their babies are sick less often.
Continuing breastfeeding requires serious dedication from the mother—especially if she returns to work in the early months after birth.
If your organization or agency wishes to learn more about workplace accommodations for breastfeeding, please contact Barb Metzger at the Allegany County Health Department at 301-759-5023.
Source: Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
